ASI report proves BJP point: Advani

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Last updated on: September 10, 2003 19:07 IST

Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani on Wednesday asserted the Archaeological Survey of India report on Ayodhya excavations had proved Bharatiya Janata Party's point that Ram temple existed at the 'Ram janmasthan'.

He added the report would strengthen the party's position on the temple movement.

"The report of ASI on Ram janmasthan was a significant thing to happen before a couple of weeks. We never had any doubt that Ram temple existed at Ram janmasthan. But now, this was proved scientifically by the ASI report," Advani told the one-day party central office bearers meeting.

"..It was not a government report. It was a report asked by the high court itself," Advani was quoted as telling the party leaders by BJP General Secretary Pramod Mahajan at the press briefing on the deliberations at the conclave.

Asked if BJP's strategy on Ram temple issue was discussed, Mahajan said, "Not in today's meeting."

Answering a volley of questions on the temple issue, he said it had been 'scientifically proved (sic) beyond doubt' that there was a Ram temple at 'janmasthan'.

"Those who thought that there was a mosque should come forward and sort out the issue," Mahajan said.

"I do not want to comment on probable decision of the judiciary but I think the Muslim organisations which are emphasising that there was a mosque... (for them) there is a concrete proof.

"Babri Masjid Action Committee leader Syed Shahbuddin used to say: 'prove it and take it. Now it is proved. Give it'," Mahajan said.

Asked if the BJP would bring in a legislation to facilitate construction of Ram temple, he said the party was 'keen' on it. "The NDA does not agree with it. No question of legislation with this kind of Lok Sabha," he added.

PTI

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